04.01.2023: UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin has paid tribute to industry leaders honoured for their contribution to the music business. 

Those recognised in the New Year’s Honours List included PPL Chief Executive Peter Leathem, who received an OBE for services to the music industry.

Also honoured were BPI CEO Geoff Taylor, who received an MBE for services to music, and BPI chair YolanDa Brown, who was awarded an OBE for services to music, music education and to broadcasting.

Robin Millar, founder and group chair of Blue Raincoat Chrysalis Group, received a knighthood.

Arit Eminue, founder and director of DiVA Apprenticeships, was awarded an MBE for services to Further Education in the creative industries.

All five deserved “huge congratulations”, said Jamie Njoku-Goodwin who added: “Each of them has made an incredible contribution to the UK music industry over their careers and it’s great to see their service recognised in this way.”

On the award to PPL CEO Peter Leathem, Jamie said: “Peter thoroughly deserves this honour for his tireless work in standing up for music rights, pioneering new developments and championing collaboration, leading the way for record-breaking revenues for music creators and companies through PPL.

“He has also shown outstanding leadership by supporting diverse future talent at PPL and as Chair of the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine, he has ensured the power of music plays a key role in health and wellbeing outcomes.”

On Geoff Taylor, Jamie said: “Geoff Taylor has been an outstanding advocate for the BPI and has played crucial role as a Board Director at UK Music. He has also displayed great leadership on IP and copyright through the Creative Industries Council.”

Both Peter and Geoff currently serve as UK Music Board Directors. Since her appointment as Chair of the BPI last year YolanDa Brown also attends UK Music Board meetings.

UK Music has long collaborated with Arit Eminue on projects to increase employment opportunities across the music industry.

Sir Robin Miller is a former trustee of Creative and Cultural Skills, the sector skills body for UK Music and the rest of the music industry.

The full list can be seen here.